ACRYLIC
A type of synthetic polymer used as the binder for high-performance
water-based paints and caulks. Some acrylic polymers are used
in auto finishes, appliance coatings, etc.
ACRYLIC LATEX PAINT
Water-thinned paint which
employs acrylic resin as the majority of the binder. Other binders
which may be added to reduce cost or add specific properties
include styrene, epoxy, and polyvinyl acetate.
100% ACRYLIC LATEX PAINT
Water-thinned paint in
which only acrylic resin is used as the binder medium. Typically
the highest quality latex paints used for a wide variety of architectural
coatings, 100% Acrylic Latexes have superior adhesion, long-term
flexibility, breathability, alkali resistance, toughness, and
color and sheen retention.
ADHESION
The ability of a dry paint film or caulk to remain attached to
the surface. Adhesion is probably the single most important property
of a paint or caulk.
AEROSOL
A container (usually a hand-held size) of coating material that
is pressurized for spray (atomized) applications. Enamels and
varnishes are often sold in aerosol cans.
AIRLESS SPRAYING
Process of atomization
of paint by forcing it through an orifice at high pressure. The
effect is often aided by the vaporization of the solvents, especially
if the paint has been previously heated.
ALKYD
A synthetic resin used in oil-based paints. An alkyd resin is
made by reacting a drying oil with a hard, synthetic material.
ALLIGATORING
A scaly pattern that appears on paint due to the inability of
the paint to bond to a glossy coating beneath it. It can also
be due to the application of a hard coating over a soft primer,
or (with oil-based paint) because the wood was recoated before
the undercoat was dry.
BINDER
1. A component of paint that "binds" the pigment particles
into a uniform, continuous paint film, and makes the paint adhere
to the surface. The nature and amount of binder helps determine
most of the paint's performance properties washability, toughness,
adhesion, color retention, and durability. 2. In caulk, a component
that "binds" the pigment particles into a homogeneous
compound and makes the caulk adhere to the surface. The main
performance properties of caulk durability, adhesion, and flexibility
at low temperatures - are determined by the binder.
BLEEDING
The migration of material from the substrate, causing discoloration
of the paint.
BLISTERING
The formation of dome-shaped, hollow projections of paint.
BOXING
The mixing together of the different cans of like paint to be
used on a job, to ensure uniformity, especially of color.
BREATHE
To allow the passage of moisture vapor from the substrate through
the paint film.
BURNISHING
The formation of shiny areas on a painted surface, as a result
of rubbing or washing.
CAULK
A generic term for a compound used to fill cracks, gaps, seams
and joints.
CHALKING
Deterioration of the surface of an exterior paint upon weathering
into a faded, powdery substance. Chalking occurs when the paint's
binder is degraded by harsh environmental conditions. Chalk should
be removed prior to repainting.
COATING
A paint, stain, varnish, lacquer, or other finish that provides
a protective and/or decorative layer over a substrate.
COLORFAST
The ability to maintain color and not fade excessively under
normal conditions.
COMPLEMENTARY COLORS
Two colors directly opposite one another on the color wheel.
CONSISTENCY
The thickness or brushability of a paint.
CONTRASTING COLORS
Colors separated by at least three others on the color wheel.
COVERAGE
The spread rate of a paint or coating, usually expressed in sq.
ft./gal. or m2/l. With pigmented coatings, it can refer to applied
hiding power.
CRACKING
The splitting of a dry paint or varnish film, usually a result
of aging or movement of the substrate. Different forms are hair-line
cracking, checking, crazing, grain cracking, or alligatoring.
CUSTOM COLOR
Special colors that are made by adding colorant to paint or by
intermixing paints of different colors. Permits the preparation
of a selected color paint at the point of sale.
CUTTING IN
The painting of a surface adjacent to another surface that must
not be painted. For example, painting the frame of a window but
not the glass.
DEAD FLAT
Having no sheen or gloss.
DEGLOSSER
A liquid preparation used to remove the gloss of a painted surface,
to slightly roughen or give "tooth" to the substrate.
This lends improved adhesion to the coating being applied.
DRYWALL COMPOUND
A highly extended paste used to make a continuous seam between
pieces of drywall (Sheetrock); also used to repair cracks, holes
and other defects. It is sanded smooth before painting.
DURABILITY
The degree to which a coating or caulk can withstand the destructive
effects of the environment to which it is exposed. The term also
refers to interior applications, including the ability to withstand
scrubbing, abrasion, etc.
EASE OF APPLICATION
Characteristics of a paint or caulk that facilitate its application,
e.g., spatter resistance, lapping properties, and open time.
EFFLORESCENCE
Whitish powder (salt deposits) that sometimes appears on masonry
surfaces; it is carried to the surface by moisture.
EGGSHELL
An interior paint that has a low lustre, satin-like appearance.
Its gloss level is between flat and semigloss.
ELASTICITY
The ability of paint or caulk to expand and contract with the
substrate without suffering damage or changes in its appearance.
Expansion and contraction are usually caused by temperature and
humidity fluctuations.
ENAMEL
Technically, an enamel is a colored varnish, or high-gloss paint.
Generally, the term is used for high quality, dirt-resistant
paints (generally for interior use) that may have a sheen level
from satin to glossy. These coatings are used for more demanding
applications as in kitchens, bathrooms, etc.
EPOXY
A tough, water-resistant and chemical-resistant polymer or coating,
adhesive or patching material made with this type polymer; usually
made with two components blended at time of application.
EXTENDER
A low-hiding, inexpensive pigment that fills out and extends
the high-hiding and colored pigments' capabilities, provides
bulk to the paint, and can positively or negatively have an impact
on many properties. Some common extenders are clay, calcium carbonate,
and silica.
FADING
Lightening of the paint's color, usually caused by exposure to
light, heat or the weather.
FEATHERING
A process used to blend a small area into its surroundings after
spot-priming, applying a filler, or scraping off an area of old
paint.
FILM FORMATION
The formation of a continuous dry film by a binder, either pigmented
or not. In a latex paint this process is the result of the water
evaporating and the subsequent fusion of the binder particles.
FLAKING
The detachment of pieces of paint from the substrate, caused
by a loss of adhesion and/or elasticity.
FLASH
Uneven gloss or color resulting from an unsealed substrate or
excessively high or low temperatures during drying.
FLAT PAINT
A paint with little or no sheen. Used mostly on interior walls
and ceilings, and exterior wall areas.
FLEXIBILITY
Degree to which a coating or sealant, after drying, is able to
conform to the movement of its substrate without damage.
FLOW
The ability of a coating to even out upon application, so that
brush and roller marks are not visible.
FUNGICIDE
An ingredient used in some coatings and sealants to help keep
mildew and other fungi from growing on the surface.
GLAZING
Glass, such as that used in doors and windows.
GLAZING COMPOUND
A caulk, sealant, or putty that is used to seal a glass pane
into its frame.
GLOSS
The shininess or reflectiveness of a coating. Flat paints have
no gloss; high gloss paints have very noticeable gloss.
GLOSS RETENTION
The ability of a coating to maintain its gloss pertains especially
to semigloss and gloss exterior coatings.
GRAIN
The direction, size, arrangement or appearance of the fibers
in wood or veneer.
HOLIDAYS
Application defect whereby
small areas are left uncoated. Syn: Misses, Skips, Voids,
Discontinuities, Vacations.
HIDING POWER
The ability of paint or stain to obscure the surface over which
it has been applied. Hiding power is provided by the paint's
pigment, and is affected by how thickly the paint tends to apply,
and how well brush marks flow out.
HUE
The basis of a color, e.g., whether it is a red or green. Lighter
or darker variations are still the same hue. Thus, a light red
and a deep red are of the same hue.
LACQUER
Coating based on synthetic thermoplastic film-forming material
that is dissolved in organic solvent. Dries by solvent evaporation.
LATEX PAINT
Water-based paint made with a synthetic binder (latex), such
as acrylic, vinyl acrylic, or styrene acrylic latex.
LEVELING
The ability of a coating
to form a smooth film without brush marks.
LIQUID SANDER, LIQUID SANDPAPER
Liquid chemical used to degloss a painted surface in order to
improve adhesion of an applied coating.
MARBLING
A decorative painting technique that imitates the color and figure
of marble.
MILDEWCIDE
A chemical agent, often included in exterior paints and caulks,
that discourages mildew growth on the paint surface.
MINERAL SPIRITS
A hydrocarbon solvent distilled from petroleum; paint thinner
may be mostly or all mineral spirits.
MUD-CRACKING
A paint failure that looks like cracked mud. It occurs when a
coating is applied too thickly, such as with heavy application
in corners.
NAP
The fibers on a paint roller cover.
NAPHTHA
A petroleum distillate solvent used mainly by professional painters
to thin oil-based coatings and to clean up.
NEUTRAL COLORS
White, off-white, light beige and gray - colors that generally
go well with all other colors.
OIL-BASED PAINT
Paints made with a drying oil, such as linseed, soya or tung
oil, as the vehicle and binder, and mineral spirits or paint
thinner as the thinning agent. They generally dry very hard,
but take longer to dry than latex paints and require more time
to recoat.
OPACITY
The ability to keep light from passing through. A paint with
a high opacity will hide the substrate well.
OPAQUE STAIN
Exterior stain that obscures the natural color and grain of wood,
but still allows the texture to show through. Generally, one
coat is applied to bare wood.
ORGANIC
Refers to a substance derived from living matter; the molecular
structure contains carbon.
OXIDATION
A chemical reaction with oxygen. For example, the drying of oils
in oil-based paint, or the rusting of iron or steel.
PAINT
An opaque coating generally made with a binder, liquids, additives,
and pigments. Applied in liquid form, it dries to form a continuous
film that protects and improves the appearance of the substrate.
PEELING
The detachment of paint from the surface in ribbons or sheets.
Like flaking, it is the result of loss of adhesion and film integrity.
Peeling can be intercoat, or down to the substrate.
PETROLEUM DISTILLATE
Liquid hydrocarbon solvents (such as mineral spirits) that are
isolated or made from petroleum.
PIGMENT
A powdery substance that is one of the basic components of a
paint or caulk. It provides whiteness or color, hiding power,
and bulk.
POLYMER
A plastic-like material produced from chemical "monomers"
which in turn have been produced from alcohols and petrochemicals.
Certain polymers are used as latex paint and caulk binders. The
binder's polymer particles are small and carried in water. The
binder polymer particles and water mixture is known as an emulsion
or as "latex."
PRESSURE WASHER
Cleaning equipment that uses water under high pressure.
PRIMARY COLORS
Colors that cannot be produced by mixing any two other colors.
They are: red, yellow, and blue.
PRIMER
The first complete coat of paint applied in a painting system.
Many primers are designed to provide adequate adhesion between
the surface and subsequent topcoats. Most primers contain some
pigment, some lend uniformity to the topcoat, some inhibit corrosion
of the substrate, and some stop the discoloration of the topcoat.
PRIMER-SEALER
A priming system that minimizes or prevents the penetration of
the topcoat into the substrate.
PVA
Polyvinyl Acetate. A binder used in water-based paints. Same
as vinyl acrylic.
RE-COAT TIMER
Interval required between the application of successive coats
of paint. This time period is usually listed on the label. Reducer:
Material that lowers a paint's viscosity but is not necessarily
a solvent.
RELATED COLORS
Two colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
RESIN
A natural or synthetic material utilized as the binder for a
paint or caulk. Term used generally for oil-based or latex binders,
as "alkyd resin" or "acrylic resin."
SAG
Narrow (or wide curtain-like) downward movement of a paint or
varnish film; may be caused by the application of too much coating,
the collection of excess quantities of paint at irregularities
in the surface (cracks, holes, etc.), or excessive material continuing
to flow after the surrounding surface has set. Also referred
to as runs or tears.
SAND FINISH
Rough finish plaster wall, or a paint that has been texturized
with sand.
SANDING SEALER
Especially hard first coat that can seal and fill, but will not
obscure, the grain of the wood. The surface is then sanded before
subsequent coats are applied.
SCRUBBABILITY
The ability of a coating to resist wearing away or changing its
original appearance when rubbed with a brush, sponge, or cloth
and an abrasive soap.
SEALANT
Often used as a synonym for "caulk." The word "sealant"
usually means a compound that has greater performance than a
caulk, i.e., it can accommodate movement in a joint or crack.
SEALER
A liquid coat that seals wood, plaster, etc., and prevents the
surface from absorbing paint or varnish. Sealers may be transparent,
and can act as primers. Some sealers are designed to be left
uncoated.
SECONDARY COLORS
Colors formed by mixing together two primary colors. They are:
orange, green, and purple.
SEMIGLOSS FINISH
A paint with a gloss level between high gloss and eggshell/satin.
SEMI-TRANSPARENT STAIN
Stain that alters the natural color of the wood, yet allows the
grain and texture to show through. The term is generally applied
to exterior products, but technically applies also to interior
wiping stains used for trim, furniture and floors.
SHADE
A shade is created when black is added to a color. It is a darker
variant of a color.
SHEEN
A moderately low degree of gloss; gloss with poor distinctness-of-image
reflectance. Characteristic where a coating appears to be flat
when viewed near to the perpendicular, but appears to be glossy
when viewed from a low or grazing angle.
SHELLAC
Alcohol-soluble, clear to orange-colored resin derived from lac.
(Lac is a substance secreted by insects on tree branches, mainly
in India.) Used as a sealer and clear finish for floors, for
sealing knots, and in "alcohol-based" primers. Thinner
is denatured alcohol.
SILICONE
Compound used in the manufacture of binders that is characterized
by outstanding heat resistance, high water repellency, and chemical
resistance. A key ingredient in some caulks and sealants, and
in the formulation of many effective defoamers for latex paints.
SINGLE-COLOR SCHEME
Utilization of different values of a single color in a decorating
scheme. Also called monochromatic.
SIZING
A liquid composition that prevents excessive absorption of paint
or wallpaper adhesive into plaster, wallboard, or a similar porous
interior surface.
SKIN
The film that forms on the surface of a stored paint or caulk.
It is caused by exposure to air.
SOLUBLE
The ability of a material to be dissolved in a liquid. For example,
sugar is soluble in water.
SOLVENT
A usually volatile liquid in which a paint's film-forming particles
are dissolved or dispersed.
SPACKLING COMPOUND
A powder mixed with water or a ready-mix compound that is primarily
used to fill large cracks in walls. It dries hard and can be
sanded and painted, but does not tolerate much movement in the
substrate.
SPAR VARNISH
Exterior varnish with good water resistance and the capability
to resist weathering. Named for its original use on the spars
of ships.
SPATTER
Droplets of paint that spin or mist off the roller as paint is
being applied.
SPONGE PAINTING
Interior painting technique
in which natural sea sponges are used to apply or partially remove
a "glaze coat" of paint.
SPOT-PRIME
To apply a primer to those areas where paint has been removed
or stripped to the original surface.
SPRAY
Method of application in which the paint is broken up into a
fine mist and directed to the surface under pressure. Specific
types of spray equipment are: aerosol, airless, and air assisted.
SPREAD RATE
The volume of a coating that can cover a given area. The recommended
spread rate is usually indicated on the paint can, e.g., 450
sq. ft./gallon (11 m2/l). Spread rate depends on application
method and technique, porosity of the substrate, etc., as well
as on the nature of the particular coating.
STAIN
A partly transparent coating that can color wood without obscuring
the grain and/or the texture. Also refers to materials that soil
the surface of a coating.
STAIN BLEED-THROUGH
When tannin found in certain types of wood (such as cedar or
redwood) migrates through the coating, causing discoloration.
Also, discoloration from a contaminant on the substrate.
STENCILING
A method of applying a design by brushing or sponging paint through
a cutout overlay placed on the surface.
STRIPPING
Removing old paint, varnish, etc., by using paint remover, sandpaper,
heat gun, or scraping tools. Also, the removal of wallpaper.
SUBSTRATE
Any surface to which a coating or sealant is applied.
TACK CLOTH
A fabric impregnated with a tacky substance that is used to remove
dust from a surface after sanding or rubbing down, and prior
to further painting. It should be stored in an airtight container
to preserve its tackiness.
TACKY
The stage in the paint's drying process at which the film is
sticky when lightly touched.
THINNER
A liquid that, along with the binder, forms the paint's vehicle.
The thinner evaporates after the paint is applied. Water is the
thinner used in latex paint, while turpentine, mineral spirits
and denatured alcohol are thinners associated with different
solvent-based coatings; the liquid used to thin the coating.
TINT
A tint is created when white is added to a color. Also, to add
colorant to a liquid paint.
TONE
A tone is created when gray is added to a color.
TOPCOAT
The coating intended to be the last coat applied in a coating
system. Usually applied over a primer, undercoater, or surfacer.
Finish coat.
TOUCH UP
Application of paint on small areas of painted surfaces to repair
misses, mars, scratches and places where the coating has deteriorated,
in order to restore the finish.
TRANSPARENT
Having the property of allowing light to permeate without diffusion
or scattering; clear.
TRIADIC COLOR SCHEME
A color scheme using three colors that are equidistant on the
color wheel.
TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE (TSP)
A cleaning compound based on an alkaline material. Because it
contains phosphate, its use may be controlled in certain geographical
areas.
TURPENTINE
A colorless, volatile oil distilled from pine. Used as a thinner
and cleaning solvent in the past, it has since been replaced
by mineral spirits or white spirits.
UNDERTONE
A subtle or subdued color of limited intensity that lends character
to the dominant color of a coating.
URETHANE
A type of binder used in coatings. Characterized by excellent
flexibility and chemical resistance.
VARNISH
A liquid composition that is converted to a transparent solid
film after being applied in a thin layer.
VARNISH STAIN
A varnish that has a transparent color added. It usually has
less penetrating power than a true stain.
VINYL
A clear, synthetic resin used in some water-based paints, particularly
interior flats, and some caulks.
VISCOSITY
The fluid thickness of a coating.
VOLATILE
Easily evaporated. The easily evaporated components of any coating
or caulk composition.
WASHABILITY
Ease with which washing will remove dirt from the surface of
the paint without causing damage.
WATER-BASED PAINT
Paint made with acrylic, vinyl or other latex resin types, and
thinned with water. It dries more quickly than oil-based paint,
has relatively low odor, some water vapor permeability, and cleans
up easily. The liquid component is predominantly water.
WIRE-BRUSHING
Cleaning a surface with a wire brush, or wire power brush.
WOOD FILLER
Heavily pigmented product used to fill the grain of wood before
undercoats or finishes are applied. Used on open-grain hardwoods
such as oak, ash, walnut and chestnut. Used for furniture and
trim.
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